The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PGDSWS) is a two-year full-time course that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. The PGDSWS course is accredited by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU). The course leads to an academic qualification and will make you eligible to register as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland (CORU) and internationally.
N.B. Applicants should check the entry requirements to ascertain if they should apply for the Masters OR the Postgraduate Diploma option. N.B. Applicants should ONLY apply for ONE of these options as it is the same selection procedure for both options (FINAL YEAR STUDENTS) or current Higher Diploma in Social Policy students should apply for the Master's level (MSW) programme).
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
apply knowledge of social systems and human behaviour to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment of people to enhance their well-being
apply knowledge of social policy to critically examine and respond to the impact of social and political contexts on service users and social work promote principles of social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice as intrinsic elements of social work practice
demonstrate core social work practice proficiencies in the areas of: professional autonomy and accountability, interpersonal and professional relationships, effective communication, personal and professional development, provision of quality services, knowledge, understanding and skills
demonstrate knowledge of theory, legislation, policy, official inquiry reports and international conventions, and apply it to assessment and intervention planning in social work practice illustrate a reflective approach to learning that is self-directed, strengths-based and reflective.
Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.
Unique Aspects of the Course
The staff on the Master of Social Work/Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies provide a very successful and much sought-after course of professional education and training in social work. It is a leader in social work education in Ireland where it was one of the first courses to adopt a reflective approach to teaching and learning throughout the course, with the aim of supporting the development of skilled, reflective practitioners.
The course has been accredited and commended by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) for its delivery of a coherent, well-constructed and successfully executed course of professional social work education. The teaching and learning methods on the course are centrally concerned with building on students prior knowledge and experience, and with developing and extending skills and competencies. Preparing you to meet the requirements for professional registration under (CORU) is a central objective of the course. Our graduates are much sought-after by the major national and international employment agencies.
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Who Teaches This Course
Dr Kenneth Burns
Professor F.W. Powell
Professor Alastair Christie
Dr Eleanor Bantry White
Dr Simone McCaughren
Lydia Sapouna
Dr Carmel Halton
Caroline May Shore
Pat Leahy
Mairie Cregan
Dr Aisling Parkes
Course Practicalities
The PGDSWS is a full-time professional course that involves five full days in college or five full days in practice. Practice placements are an integral part of the course. You are required to complete two 14-week fieldwork placements, for at least one of which you will be required to move outside Cork. The course is split roughly 50/50 between college academic work and practice placements. Students on the PGDSWS go on placement to a wide variety of practice contexts all over Ireland and in year 2 have the option to do an international social work placement.